Ch. 29:
Preparations took on a frantic speed as Edwina and Lord Morrison's wedding approached. Kate was dragged into meetings at the palace and trips to the modiste as her sister's wedding began to almost take on a life of its own.
The only bright spot was the ring she now openly wore on her finger. She would find herself staring at it, completely enraptured by the way the light played across the stones. She often had to force herself to look away as the ring Anthony's father had given his mother caught her in its spell. Once, Mary had caught her in a moment of enrapture and had burst into tears, alarming Kate greatly until she calmed enough to explain that she was just so happy for her eldest daughter that she almost couldn't stand it.
It had taken ages for both of them to calm down.
Kate sighed as she snuck out of the parlor where an intense conversation about flowers was taking place and she found herself in the peaceful silence of the gardens. One more minute in that room and she would have started screaming.
"Once we're done with this spectacle, it will be your turn."
She turned to find Lady Danbury had followed her out.
"Yes, but mine will not include opinions from the Queen of England, which is a fact I am eternally grateful for," She told the older woman with a smirk.
"I think you're underestimating Her Majesty's interest in the Bridgerton family," Lady Danbury cautioned her. "But her opinions will most likely be more subtle at least."
She linked her arm with Kate's, and they headed down the path.
"Have you found a dress maker yet?" she asked the younger woman and she shook her head with a sigh.
At Anthony's urging, Kate had begun considering what parts of the Indian traditions she had grown up with to incorporate into an English ceremony and she had decided she wanted to wear a sari. She hoped to commission one that would resemble the one her Amma had worn at her wedding and Kate had been forced to sell to help fund their trip to England, but finding a dressmaker in London that could handle such an order had proved difficult.
"Well, we have time," the matron assured her. "In the meantime, we need to speak of your sister."
It took all of Kate's self-control to only sigh and not groan.
"We cannot allow it to seem like you two are at odds," Lady Danbury continued, ignoring Kate's sigh. "Your sister's refusal to speak to your fiancé lends itself to rumor and innuendo."
"I do not know what you expect me to do." Kate replied, annoyance creeping into her voice. "Clearly Edwina no longer cares for my counsel."
"Be that as it may, this wedding must go off without a hitch. The Queen has been quite forgiving with your mama, but I would not trust in her largesse a second time."
Kate nodded and they continued their walk in silence for a time.
"How go your lessons with Lady Bridgerton?" Lady Danbury inquired and Kate smiled brightly.
Violet, as she insisted on being called, had invited her for tea several times now to begin teaching her the duties she would need to perform when she took her place as Lady Bridgeton at Anthony's side.
Lady Bridgerton. She would be Anthony's wife in just a few short months.
She couldn't help the smile that always broke across her face when the thought crossed her mind, but she quickly schooled her features this time as Lady Danbury raised her eyebrow.
"Well," she replied, "there is much I need to learn, but Lady Bridgerton is an excellent teacher. I am sure she will bring me up to snuff."
"I have absolute faith that you will do very well in your new role," the matron told her confidently. "I have scarcely seen a woman more well suited to the role of Viscountess, even amongst the Ton who should be raised to handle it."
Kate blushed at Lady Danbury's praise and they fell once more into companionable silence.
"Kate!"
This time she did groan as she stopped to wait for her sister and Lord Morrison caught up with them.
"Kate, the Earl is taking us to a play tonight!" her sister announced as they joined the two women. "Isn't that lovely?"
"It is, Bon," Kate replied with forced patience. "Unfortunately, I will not be able to join you. I am already promised at Hastings House tonight for dinner."
"Surely the Brigertons can spare you for one evening?" Edwina said, annoyance clear in her voice.
"One should keep one's engagements as often as they can." Lady Danbury interjected blandly. "And Her Grace is not known for her patience in being snubbed. Your sister is doing the proper thing to ensure her future familial harmony."
"My sister is always quite proper," Edwina said in the same tone, making Kate glare at her, which she ignored. "Very well. Enjoy your dinner, Didi."
She and Morrison continued on and Lady Danbury linked her arm with Kate's once more.
"One more week," she told her under her breath, "and then it is your turn."
Kate signed and nodded, letting her lead her down the path once more.
Kate was genuinely surprised when Edwina agreed to her mother's suggestion that the three of them hold a Haldi ceremony the night before the wedding. Her sister had seemed so utterly uninterested in including any of her father's Indian heritage that her easy acceptance was shocking, but Kate chose to capitalize on her acquiescence and quickly gathered the supplies they would need.
For a while, it was as if nothing had changed between the two sisters as they went through the ritual. They laughed and joked and teased just like they had when they were children in Bombay and for the first time in months, Kate felt like her sister was truly her sister again.
There was a lull in the conversation as Mary and Kate spread the turmeric paste across Edwina's arms.
"Are you happy, Bon?" Kate found herself asking softly.
"Of course, I am, Didi!" her sister responded instantly. "I am going to be a countess!"
"But do you love Lord Morrison?" her sister pressed. "Does he love you?"
"He is marrying me, knowing I have no dowry, Kate," Edwina said, annoyance creeping into her voice. "Surely this means he esteems me. All will be well."
Kate nodded, backing off. Anthony didn't want anyone to know where Edwina's dowry came from, fearing how it would look before they were married. Edwina would know after the wedding and everything would be fine again. She would have her wish to marry as she thought a Diamond should, and she would be happy.
Kate had to hold to that hope.
"How did you know you Appa, mama?" Edwina asked suddenly, surprising Mary.
"I suppose I knew when I saw the way he looked at me," she replied slowly, both girls listening to her with rapt attention. "But it was more how the world went quiet when I was with him. The way his soul seemed to dance with mine, the way we settled into each other until there was no place to hide, nor any desire to do so. It was the moment I realized I was willing to give up everything just to stay with him, that was when I knew."
Kate couldn't help but think of Anthony, of the way the world went quiet during their stolen moments in the woods, when he simply held her in his arms. The way dancing with him was as easy as breathing. She had abandoned every plan for the future she had ever made for him, knowing that the life she would have with him would be far greater than any she had ever dreamed of alone.
She realized she had stopped coating her sister as her mind had wandered and she shook herself, glancing at her sister to find her deep in thought.
"Bon?"
Edwina started and seemed to give herself a shake.
"That is just how I feel with Lord Morrison," she told them brightly. "I think I am to be very happy with him."
Kate decided to let that go.
The morning of the wedding dawned bright and chaotic. As Kate came to consciousness, she could hear the dulcet tones of her sister, yelling on the other side of the house, and she fought the urge to burrow into her blankets and refuse to come out.
It was going to be a long day.
There was a knock at the door and Kate lifted the blanket off her head with a groan before calling for her maid to enter.
"This arrived for you this morning, Miss."
The young girl set a large bouquet of orange and pink tulips on the table and Kate crawled out of bet to pluck the note out as the girl began readying the room for the day.
Next time, it will be our turn.
I'll see you in a few hours.
A. Bridgerton
Kate smiled and set the note next to her bed.
"Kate, are you still abed?!"
Kate looked up at her sister, who was glaring at her from the doorway.
"We will be leaving for the palace shortly and you're still not ready!" her sister shouted, making Kate wince.
"I was just admiring my flowers, Bon," she told her soothingly. "I will be ready shortly, don't worry."
Edwina glanced at the flowers with a sniff before striding out of the room. A moment later, Mary took her place.
"This is going to be one of those days where everyone accosts me in my room before I can even dress, isn't it?" Kate asked dryly.
"You should be used to it by now." Mary shot back, but her smile took the sting out of her words. "We are running behind, though, so do make haste."
"Yes, mama." Kate agreed easily. "I will be ready as fast as I can be."
Mary left and Kate quickly began getting ready. Within the hour, the bridal party was packed up and on their way to the palace where they final preparations for the day would take place. When they arrived, they were quickly bundled off to the rooms that would be theirs for the day and introduced to the veritable army of servants who would be helping them. Lady Danbury was quickly called to the Queen's side and the Sharma women worked to dress and primp Edwina.
As Mary helped Edwina slip on her dress, Kate routed around in the various chests they had brought with them, looking for a specific item. She finally located it as Edwina wandered over to her side of the room.
"Didi, what are those?" she asked, looking over Kate's shoulder at the bangles in her hands. "I don't think I've seen those before."
"They were my mother's," Kate told her. "I brought them with us from home. I had faith that this Season would be a success."
"They are very beautiful," Edwina said shortly. "I'm sure they'll look lovely at your wedding."
Kate sighed and stood up, turning to take her sister's hands in hers.
"I want you to wear them."
Edwina stared at her.
"I know things have been…difficult between us lately," Kate continued. "but you are my sister and I love you and all I have wanted was for you to be happy. If you believe this is the path that will lead you to your greatest happy than I will celebrate it as a blessing, just as I hope you will do the same for me. So," she pressed the bangles into her hands, "wear these as a sign of my blessing and know that I wish you every happiness in the world."
Edwina stared at the bracelets, her eyes bright.
"I know you only want what's best for me, Kate," she said softly. "I couldn't ask for a better sister…" she shook her head, "but these were your Amma's. You should wear them." She pressed the bangles back into Kate's hands. "I know the Earl is not the one you would have picked for me, but I am glad you can put that aside and try to be happy for me."
Kate wrapped her sister in a hug.
"All I have ever cared about is your happiness, Bon," she whispered. "That is all I have ever wanted."
Edwina pulled away, taking Kate's hand and slipping the bangles onto her wrist.
"I am happy, Didi," she told her. "I am marrying an Earl and I will be a countess. What reason would I ever have to be unhappy?"
With a bright smile, Edwina turned away to continue her preparations and Kate sighed, playing with the bracelet on her wrist. Finally, she turned back to her own preparations, sending out a small prayer that all would be as her sister believed and not as her gut told her it would be.
Anthony came down the stairs at Bridgerton House to find utter chaos. He grabbed the back of Gregory's coat as he ran past and plucked Hyacinth's ribbon out of his hand.
"I was doing her a service," his youngest brother grumbled as Hyacinth took the ribbon back from Anthony and stuck her tongue out at Gregory.
"Please try to remember that we have spent a considerable amount of time teaching you how to behave as upstanding members of this family, at least in public," he told them with a sigh, releasing Gregory.
His two youngest siblings nodded solemnly for a second before Hyacinth kicked Gregory in the shin and they were off again.
"It's adorable you thought that would work," Daphne said, reaching up to press a kiss to Anthony's cheek. "Best to just them run themselves out and pray that they mature a little bit in the months we have left before your wedding to Kate."
"That's not encouraging, sister dear," he said, returning her kiss. "Where is your lout of a husband? Kate will be annoyed if we're not all there to support Miss Edwina."
"He is already attending Lady Danbury," she replied. "He's promised to check on Kate and will join us at the chapel." She was distracted by a moan from Colin, who was laying on a bench as Benedict grinned at him. "What is wrong with him?"
"I do not care as long as Benedict undoes it." Violet said as she joined them. "This day is important to your future sister and you will behave."
The last part was said at an increased volume that made Colin moan again and Benedict attempt and fail to look contrite.
"Yes, mother." Her sons agreed easily.
She purposely turned away as her second born handed her third born a flask.
"How is Kate?" she asked, addressing her first born.
"Well, as far as I know." He replied, pressing a kiss to her cheek in thanks.
"It will be your turn next," she told him, straightening his tie with misty eyes. "Kathani will be such a lovely bride."
"I quite agree," he said, taking her hands in his and lowering them away from his neck. "Though I know we both desire a…less ostentatious event when it is our turn."
"A simple wedding in Kent," his mother agreed easily. "Well, as simple as the wedding of a Viscount from his ancestral seat to a woman who shares blood with a Maharaja can be."
"So, not simple at all?" Benedict quipped, taking his flask back from Colin. "Given that Queen with definitely be in attendance?"
His mother reached behind herself to swat at him.
"We'll discuss the plans and see what we can do as soon as Miss Edwina is happily married." She assured her eldest. "Now, we should go. I'm sure Kate would like you nearby."
Daphne, Benedict, and Colin all snickered at their mother's carefully bland face and Anthony glared at all of them.
"I am disinheriting all of you."
His siblings just ignored him.
Kate snuck out of the dressing room and took a deep breath, closing her eyes and leaning against the wall.
"Yours will probably be worse, you know."
She cracked an eye open to glare at Simon.
"I am considering dragging Anthony to Gretna Green just to avoid it," she told him crossly.
"I do not think it would take much to convince him," he told her, leaning against the wall next to her. "But I believe your mama, my saintly godmother, and my current, your future, mother-in-law would ban together to murder you both, which would, in turn, upset my wife."
"God-forbid." Kate said dryly.
"Exactly," Simon agreed with a laugh. "So, for the sake of our family, I implore you to grin and bare what ever they throw at you."
"Fine," she huffed, fighting off a smile of her own. "Speaking of, where is your lovely wife?"
"She's coming with the rest of the clan," he replied. "I have arrived early to lend my support to Lady Danbury."
"And yet you are here with me, hiding in a side corridor," she teased. "Hiding from the Queen, are we?"
"Oh, indubitably." He agreed easily. "I think she is still slightly miffed that I married Daphne, stealing her away from her royal nephew."
"I wish I had been here last Season. It sounds like it was fascinating."
"I am very glad you weren't," Simon replied seriously. "I did not behave as a gentleman should and I would rather have your respect."
"You have it," she assured him with a soft smile. "I am quite looking forward to calling you brother."
"And I calling you sister." He cleared his throat. "How is your sister?"
"Perfectly content to be standing in the light and excited to be the next Countess Morrison," Kate replied with a sigh.
"You still disapprove?"
Kate shrugged.
"My opinion does not matter, which has been made clear to me. She believes this is the path that will bring her the most happiness, so I must trust her judgment."
"You can't protect her forever."
She smiled sadly.
"That doesn't change the fact that I want to."
"You and Anthony really are perfect for each other." Kate laughed and he reached out to squeeze her arm. "You are a good sister, Kate. I don't have any practical experience with siblings, but I have spent enough time around Anthony to know what a good one looks like. You are a good one."
Kate smiled up at him, her eyes bright.
"Thank you, Simon."
The Duke squeezed her arm once more before letting go.
"There you are." They both turned to find Lady Danbury striding towards them. "Miss Edwina is demanding your presence, Miss Sharma, so make haste. And you, good sir, will come with me to distract Her Majesty."
"Of course, my Lady." Simon replied dryly, leaning down to kiss her cheek.
"You are lucky I adore your son, Your Grace." She told him, refusing to be mollified. "Get on your way. I will follow shortly."
Simon bowed to the ladies and took his leave. Lady Danbury took a moment to look over Kate critically before allowing her face to soften.
"Have courage, Miss Sharma," she told Kate softly. "Just a few more hours and you will be free."
With that, she turned and left Kate alone, wondering if she was referring to freedom from her wedding duties or freedom from Edwina.
Kate spotted some of the Bridgertons on the grounds from the window of Edwina's dressing room and wished she could join them, but Edwina was ready and all there was to wait for the service to begin.
"Kate."
She turned to see her sister holding her veil out to her. On her head sat the Morrison Family coronet and Kate took the veil to attach to it as Edwina turned around.
"Are you ready, my darling?"
They two sisters turned to see Mary in the doorway.
"You look so lovely, Edwina," she told her tearily. "You both do."
She spotted Kate's bangles and her smile grew brighter. "I hope you plan on wearing those at your wedding in a few months. I'm sure your Amma would be just as happy for you as I am."
"Is everything ready?" Edwina asked her, bring her attention back to her younger daughter.
"It is," she told her. "Are you ready?"
"I am."
She walked over and took Mary's arm, allowing her to lead her out as Kate followed behind.
"Let's give the ton a wedding to remember and show them who we truly are." Mary said, kissing Edwina's cheek as they reached the chapel doors.
"Let's," her daughter agreed.
Kate smiled brightly at her sister as the music began and she began her trek down the aisle. As she neared the front, she spotted the Bridgertons seated in the first few pews. Anthony caught her eye, lifting his eyebrow and making her smile brightly. She let out a small giggle as Benedict elbowed his older brother, making Anthony glare at him as she reached the altar. She quickly schooled her features, nodding to the Earl, before taking her place. She caught Anthony's eye again and he gave her an encouraging smile.
The music changed and the congregation rose as every eye went to the back of the chapel. Edwina glided down the aisle serenely on her mother's arm, looking the perfect vision of a happy bride. Finally, she joined them at the altar and Kate took a deep breath.
"Miss Edwina, you look lovely." Morrison murmured, making her smile beautifully.
"Thank you, my Lord," she demurred. "I am happy you are pleased."
"Please be seated," the Archbishop began. "Dearly beloved, we are gathered together here in the sight of God…"
Kate let her mind wander as she played with her bangle. Her gaze moved across the congregation before landing on Anthony and she couldn't help but imagine what their wedding would be like in a few months. Would he wear the morning suit traditional to an English lord, or could she convince him to wear a sherwani to match her sari? Either way, he would be the most handsome groom she had ever seen, she was sure.
Anthony caught her watching him as her fingernail caught in the clasp of one of the bangles and, before she could stop it, the bracelet slipped off her wrist. She watched in horror and embarrassment as it hit the ground loudly, bouncing down the steps and rolling across the floor until it came to a stop at Anthony's foot. The church fell silent as he leaned down to pick it up.
"I think I shall keep this safe for now, Miss Sharma," he announced with a wicked smile that made Kate blush before shaking her head fondly. "Please continue, Archbishop."
A chuckle ran through the assembled crowd, including a smirk from the Queen, as Anthony's smile turned soft.
I love you, he mouthed at her, slipping the bangle into his coat to rest above his heart. Kate returned his sentiment with a soft smile of her own before turning back to the altar. She was unsurprised to find Morrison glaring at her, but her sister quickly stole her focus.
"Bon?"
Edwina was staring at Anthony, her face paler than Kate had ever seen. At her call, her eyes snapped to Kate, staring at her as if she had never seen her before.
"Miss Edwina, are you ready to continue?" the Archbishop asked her, but Edwina just kept staring at Kate.
Morrison huffed, taking Edwina's hand and pulling her to face him.
"Answer His Grace, please, Miss Edwina," he ordered, but she just stared at him.
"Bon, are you alright?" Kate asked, moving forward as she started to become worried.
"She is perfectly fine," Morrison answered shortly. "Miss Edwina, you are embarrassing yourself. Repeat after the Archbishop."
"I – " Edwina broke off, her breathing becoming low and shallow.
"Bon, do you need to sit down?" Kate asked, concern lacing her voice. She glanced at Anthony and he quickly got to his feet, heading towards her.
The noise of his shoes seemed to startle Edwina, bringing her back to herself. Her gaze spun around the room before focusing on Morrison.
"I need a moment," she announced.
And then she ran out of the room.